Working Remotely: The right way to finding remote job opportunities in 2023

Remote work is now a top priority for companies, not just in tech but across industries. This shift comes from realising that remote job breaks the barriers of location and offers various benefits and efficiencies. With technology advancing and the post-pandemic world taking shape, remote work has become a lasting solution. It’s not a temporary fix but a long-term strategy, changing how we approach work in today’s world.

However, with the increasing prevalence of remote work, finding a remote job has become a complex task. In this article, I’ll explore practical strategies for discovering remote employment. I’ll uncover valuable insights to help you find a remote position that matches your skills and goals. The goal is to simplify the process of navigating the remote job landscape, ensuring you can find a job that suits you best.

Before you begin your search for a remote job, it’s crucial to consider and answer several key questions:

• What are you looking for, Full-time, or Freelance Remote Jobs? When delving into the world of remote work, one of the initial decisions you’ll need to make is whether you’re seeking a full-time position or prefer the flexibility of freelance work.

• What are your skill(s)? Assessing your skill set is fundamental. Identify your strengths and expertise to understand what you can offer to potential employers in the remote job market.

• What position do you want? Define the specific role you aspire to fill in the realm of remote work. Clearly outlining your desired position will help streamline your job search process.

• Do you need any training to develop your skills? Considering the dynamic nature of various industries, it’s essential to evaluate whether any additional training or skill development is necessary to enhance your competitiveness in the remote job market.

• Is your resume perfect for the position you’re considering to apply? Crafting an effective resume tailored to the requirements of the remote job you’re aiming for is pivotal. It should highlight your relevant experiences and skills in alignment with the job description.

• Do you have the right in-demand skills to secure your dream job? Stay informed about the skills that are currently in demand in the remote job market. Align your skill set with these trends to increase your chances of securing your desired role.

• Are you willing to discipline yourself to learn a skill within the next 6 months? Demonstrating a willingness to dedicate time and effort to self-improvement within a defined timeline can significantly enhance your prospects in the competitive landscape of remote work.

• What’s the state of your activity on LinkedIn? Maintaining an active and professional presence on LinkedIn is crucial. Regularly engaging with relevant content, expanding your network, and showcasing your expertise can amplify your visibility to potential employers and recruiters in the remote job sector.

Everyone’s path into remote work is unique, guided by their individual circumstances. However, these fundamental factors act as a guide in the competitive world of remote employment, especially in today’s context of self-isolation.

If you’re ready to tackle these challenges, you can explore a set of lesser-known techniques and strategies I’ve gathered to secure remote projects. These often unnoticed insider tips can be a valuable resource as you seek fulfilling work-from-home opportunities.

Let’s begin with the first strategy: Building Your Network.

When seeking remote work opportunities, it’s crucial to leverage your professional connections. Reach out to individuals within your industry to explore potential openings. An important initial step is to identify those more likely to engage with your outreach.

It’s essential to avoid investing effort and time into individuals who may not be receptive to your inquiries. Remember, networking is simply a part of doing business, so don’t hesitate to initiate connections.

Timing can be key, as your message might align with a company’s search for suitable candidates. You can begin building your online network through platforms like LinkedIn, your business email contacts, various Slack channels, relevant Facebook groups, Twitter, as well as community sites such as HackerNews, Inbound, and GrowthHackers.

Now, it’s essential to acknowledge a challenging reality: finding remote work can be tough if you lack experience in your field. While some companies may consider candidates with less experience, this is relatively uncommon. Competition can be fierce, with numerous applicants vying for limited positions.

However, if you possess expertise in a specific area and aim to transition into remote work, it’s crucial not to sever ties with your existing professional network. Often, freelancers initially acquire projects through recommendations from former clients, colleagues, and supervisors. The power of referrals should not be underestimated.

Another method for finding remote job opportunities is by searching online for remote jobs.

Many companies use online platforms to simplify the hiring process. These websites such as Zoho Recruit, BambooHR, Jobvite.com, and Workable help hiring managers find the talent they need and manage applications efficiently. However, on these platforms, the usual process involves submitting your profile and waiting for potential employers to reach out to you.

But there’s a simple trick you can use. You can harness the power of Google to uncover remote job listings hidden within these websites. Here’s how to do it: Go to Google.com and enter the following in the search bar:

Site: workable.com + “job opening, remote, or industry” (without quotes). For example: site:http://workable.com + remote real estate assistant

Try this search method for the websites mentioned. While the results may not always be a perfect match, you’re likely to find job openings that closely match your criteria. You can also use Google’s search tools to filter results and focus on postings from the last month, making your search more efficient.

A third, and valuable strategy for finding remote jobs is Leveraging Cold Emails.

Cold emailing is a widely used marketing technique, and it’s a skill you should add to your toolkit when seeking remote job opportunities. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be intimidated by it. The process is similar to making cold calls, but in this case, you’re sending out your resume. To increase your chances of landing your dream remote job, follow these steps:

1. Narrow Down Your Target Audience: When using this approach, you need to define the types of skills you possess and identify the types of businesses that could benefit from them. Consider these factors:

• Who is actively seeking your services?
• Which industry or sector do they belong to?
• What kinds of businesses align with your preferences?
• Where can you apply your past job experience?

For example, if you provide virtual assistance and administrative services, you’ll find a demand for your skills across various industries. To narrow down your focus, choose a sector that genuinely interests you. Let’s say you have a passion for real estate and enjoy browsing property listings; in that case, you could target real estate companies or agents who require a remote virtual assistant.

If you work as a writer, graphic artist, or web developer, it’s beneficial to compile your published work or creative projects. Look for your written articles, lines of code, or artwork that’s available online. Make sure to include links to these pieces in the emails you send. This will significantly increase your chances of receiving responses from individuals genuinely interested in your services.

2. Don’t forget to add a link to your online portfolio or profile: If you’re a writer, graphic artist, or web developer it will be helpful to gather your published work or creative projects. Search for your articles, code, or artwork available online. Then, when you send emails, include links to these pieces. This simple step boosts your chances of getting responses from people genuinely interested in your services.

3. Stay open to new opportunities: To keep you informed about new job openings, there are several handy apps that allow you to set up alerts. Here are some useful options:

• Google Alerts
• Buzzsumo
• TalkWalker.com
• Mention

These tools are designed to help you stay updated and alert you to potential job opportunities as they arise.